Obituary of John Alfred Stevens

STEVENS, John Alfred- Passed away peacefully after a brief illness on September 2, 2003 at Niagara Ina Grafton, St. Catharines at age 85. Survived by his loving wife of 62 years Marguerite, two sons Neil (Cathie) Stevens of Bramalea; Bill (Ivy) Stevens and daughter Carolyn (Bruce) Thompson both of St. Catharines. Also survived by grandchildren Jessica (Craig) Martell, Paula and Kimberly Stevens; Brent and Michael Stevens; Brandy and Craig Thompson and great-grandson Noah Martell. Predeceased by two infant children; parents William and Ann; two sisters Nellie and Elsie and two brothers Albert and Bill. Fondly remembered by brother-in-law Kenneth (Elinor) Croft of St. Catharines and their children and a niece Josephine (Frank) Martin. John was born January 7, 1918 in Grantham Township on the family farm, moving later to Port Dalhousie. John and Marguerite married in 1941 and moved to 177 Main Street. After serving in the armed services overseas in WWII, resumed his Fruitbelt Trucking Business retiring in 1971. John was well known for his 62 years selling Christmas trees many of which he grew on his Muskoka property. His passion was gardening and he shared his vegetables with all who came. John was active in his community: St. Catharines Alderman 1965-1969, Burgoyne Arena building Committee, St. Catharines Rowing Club, Minor and Junior Lacrosse clubs, life member of St. Catharines Old Boys Lacrosse Club. Inducted into the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame on October 8, 2002 as a builder. Member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 350 and Seymour Lodge (Masonic) #277 since 1950. Member of St. John's Anglican Church, Port Dalhousie, where the memorial service will take place Friday, September 5th, 2003 at 11am. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to THE GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines. Interment to follow at St. John's Anglican Cemetery in Port Dalhousie. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the St. John's Anglican Church Building Fund would be appreciated by the family.